Hamilton County Parks and Recreation — Bell Ford Bridge
- Facility Name: Bell Ford Bridge at Geist Park
- City, State: Fishers, Ind.
- Cost of Project: $7.5 million
- Type of Facility: Historic Bridge & Pedestrian Walkway
- Architectural Firm: VS Engineering and Kurdziel Baker Engineering
- Lead Architect Name: Daniel Kurdziel
- Status: Under construction (finish date – April 2025)
- Square Footage: 2,880 (160 ft. by 18 ft.)
- Number of Floors: 1
- % of reader vote: 64.57%
The Bell Ford Bridge was originally built in 1869 and was used in Seymour, Ind. for over 100 years until it was deemed unsafe. A windstorm destroyed half of the bridge, and then the other half fell into the White River years later. The pieces were retrieved from the river and stored until Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt and Hamilton County Parks and Recreation negotiated to acquire the bridge in 2018. The bridge, when completed, will be a pedestrian walkway and bike path at Geist Park, and it will complete a portion of the Geist Trail. The bridge will serve as a focal point for Geist Park, making it an attractive destination for visitors.
The bridge holds historical significance as it is the only combination-post truss bridge in the world and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2005. It has been reassembled with most of its original components but has been modified to fit its new home and purpose. The bridge will not be as long or wide as it was originally, but the historic integrity of the structure remains intact.
The project costs approximately $7.5 million with nearly $3 million in federal funding.
Pilgrim Cove
- Facility Name: Pilgrim Cove Camp & Retreat Center
- City, State: McCall, Idaho
- Cost of Project: $7,500
- Type of Facility: Camp & Retreat Center
- Status: Completed Renovation
- Square Footage: 450
- Number of Floors: Single level, 3 rooms (150 sq. ft. each)
In the New Rice Lodge, three interconnected bunk rooms with one entry door were converted to three individual sleeping areas, each with its own entry door and a queen-sized bed and seating area added. The three rooms still contain two bunk beds each, but the rooms were refurbished with faux wood/vinyl flooring, newly painted walls, and bunk beds, and each room now has a small seating/reading area. A window was added to the exterior wall of one bedroom, and the panes in each entry door added much-needed light to the rooms. All windows were replaced. The project was completed with a minimum budget and was executed primarily by the camp’s executive director, who possesses vision, carpentry skills, and know-how. Volunteers with a heart for the camp helped with furniture selections and accessories, painting, and floor installation. The result is significantly enhanced, private bedroom spaces appreciated by the camp’s visiting guests.
Public Restroom Company — Belgrade Community Library Restroom
- Facility Name: Belgrade Community Library Restroom
- City, State: Belgrade, Mont.
When great architectural design and restrooms collide. Designed by Public Restroom Company and engineered by R & S Tavares Associates, the City of Belgrade, Mont., installed this new custom, prefabricated restroom facility back in June 2024. Built using modular construction, the restroom is comprised of two mods to create 468 sq. ft. of space for restrooms and a mechanical room. The building features both men’s and women’s multi-occupant-style restrooms, along with a private family restroom accessed from the side of the building. The shed-style roof and custom exterior finishes bring the wow factor to this building and match the exterior of the new Belgrade Community Library. The tongue and groove cedar siding in a vertical placement contrast beautifully with the black doors and trim to give it an upscale, modern look.